Robert "Rob" Howard

John M. DeVries, a native of Grand Rapids, practices in the areas of litigation in federal and state courts, oil, gas and water law, eminent domain and zoning law. John received his bachelor's degree from Calvin College and his law degree from the University of Michigan, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif. He is a member of the Grand Rapids and Federal Bar Associations, the State Bar of Michigan, and is a life member of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference.

David J. Gass is an experienced trial lawyer who represents clients in a wide variety of complex commercial and general civil litigation in state and federal courts. He has a strong record of successful results. Mr. Gass’s litigation experience has been remarkably varied, but generally focuses on complex commercial cases. He has successfully tried many cases to judges, juries, and arbitration panels. His expertise is not confined to any specific subject area; rather, his expertise is in...

Ron has accumulated a vast amount of first chair trial experience. As an Assistant United States Attorney in Miami for seven years, he tried several large criminal cases. In his final year as a federal prosecutor, he served as Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Ron’s broad trial and litigation skills allow him to represent clients in diverse types of disputes in nearly any locale in the country. Since joining Varnum, Ron has tried and litigate...

Justin M. Bratt is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Justin M. practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Justin M. Bratt since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Justin M. Bratt is held by other lawyers.

J. Scott Timmer is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Real Estate Law. J. Scott practices law in Norton Shores, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized J. Scott Timmer since 2013. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which J. Scott Timmer is held by other lawyers.

For over 20 years, Todd has worked with and assisted businesses, developers, investors, financial institution, and brokers. He has helped them identify and navigate challenges and opportunities associated with general business transactions as well as complex real estate acquisitions and sales, residential and commercial condominium developments, commercial and industrial leasing, financing transactions, zoning and land use matters, joint ventures, and land development and construction project...

Erik R. Daly is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. Erik R. practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Erik R. Daly since 2019. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Erik R. Daly is held by other lawyers.

Scott M. Watson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. Scott M. practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Scott M. Watson since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Scott M. Watson is held by other lawyers.

Harvey Koning is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group and is active in the firm’s Financial Institutions Industry group. He works with a wide variety of businesses, from start-ups to public companies. He represents companies involved in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and also initial and secondary public offerings. Harvey’s corporate practice also includes private equity, venture capital, securities regulation and executive compensation. He works extensively with a numbe...

Bob is committed to making a difference for those he serves. Applying his deep tax background and education, Bob represents buyers and sellers in merger, acquisition and disposition transactions, and provides comprehensive counsel pertaining to business and partnership tax matters. He also advises start-up companies and established businesses alike interested in pursuing capital sources from the private equity market to raise capital for a number of diverse enterprises. Bob’s industry e...